Field installable optical module with configurable cable attachment

ABSTRACT

A cable adaptor case for sorting a first plurality of cables and adapting a plurality of types of cables comprising a cable tray for holding cables, an adaptor tray for adapting a first plurality of cables to a second plurality of cables, and a lid which is removably attached and hingably attached to the cable tray.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/707,643, filed Sep. 28, 2012, andfrom U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/762,488, filed Feb. 8, 2013, inthe United States Patent and Trademark Office, the disclosures of whichare incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The invention relate to a cable adaptor case, and more particulary to acable adaptor case for sorting cables.

2. Background

Existing patch and splice cassette modules are not space-efficient. Mostofferings on the market do not conform to the standard LGX118 footprint.The most popular offerings utilize multi-component assemblies which canbe cumbersome from a fiber management standpoint. Existing technologyuses moving parts which can place the fiber at risk for damage. Currentofferings require tie-wraps to secure incoming cable. This approach isvery time-consuming and requires multiple consumable items.

Current patch and splice modules offer one of two options: 1) astationary splice sleeve holder that cannot be removed from the module.This makes installation very difficult because it is much easier tomount the splices into the splice sleeve holder when it is not inside ofthe module (not much hand room inside the module). 2) an open splicesleeve holder that can be removed from the module. This can poseproblems because splice sleeves can easily fall out of conventionalsplice sleeve holders. This is because such splice sleeve holders aremade out of flimsy rubber that bends when being mounted into or removedfrom the patch and splice module. When this rubber bends the splicesleeves can easily pop out which in turn increases the time ofinstallation and even can lead to fiber damage.

Other disadvantages and limitations include: (1) Cable entry/access islimited; (2) Cables coming into the module can only enter in throughcertain directions/angles/entry ports; (3) Traditional patch and splicemodules do not do a good job of managing ribbon fiber; and (4) Existingcassette modules accept proprietary or custom sized adapter plates.

SUMMARY

Exemplary implementations of the present invention address at least theabove problems and/or disadvantages and other disadvantages notdescribed above. Also, the present invention is not required to overcomethe disadvantages described above, and an exemplary implementation ofthe present invention may not overcome any of the problems listed above.

One embodiment of the present invention utilizes a cable adaptor caseincluding a cable tray which holds a plurality of cables, and an adaptortray removably attached to the cable tray. The cable tray may includesteps which hold the plurality of cables and with the cable clips whichsecure the plurality of cables to the cable tray. The adaptor tray mayinclude adaptors which connect the plurality of cables.

Other features of the embodiment may include the cable tray with spliceholders which hold spliced cables and splice slots which hold theplurality of splice holders.

Another embodiment of the invention may include the splice holdershaving a splice sorter which holds and sorts the spliced cables, asplice holder adaptor which holds the splice sorter and is removablyattached to the splice slots, and a splice cap which covers the splicedcables in the splice sorter and the splice sorter.

Other features of the embodiment may include the steps having removablebreakout portions through which the plurality of cables enter the cabletray.

Other features of the embodiment may include the steps having holeswhich attach the first plurality of wires to the plurality of steps.

Other features of the embodiment may include a lid which encloses thetop of the cable tray.

Another embodiment of the invention may include the cable tray havingreceivers for receiving the lid.

Other features of the embodiment may include the lid having snapsremovably attached to the receivers of the cable tray, and hinges bothhingably attached and removably attached to the receivers of the cabletray.

Other features of the embodiment may include the cable tray having aplurality of hooks which secure the cables to the cable tray.

Other features of the embodiment may include the cable tray havingtowers which sort and organize the cables.

Other features of the embodiment may include the cable tray having screwreceivers in a direction opposite the steps which receive the adaptorplate.

Another embodiment of the invention may include screws removablyattached to screw adaptors which removably attach the adaptor plate tothe plurality of screw receivers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a cableadaptor case 1

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a cableadaptor case 1 and an isomeric view of an exemplary embodiment of a lid21.

FIG. 3 is an overhead view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable tray 2.

FIG. 4a is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable tray 2comprising a lid 21.

FIG. 4b is a close-up side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cabletray 2 comprising a hinge 23 removably attached to a receiver 17 of thecable tray 2.

FIG. 4c is a close-up side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cabletray 2 comprising a tab 25 removably attached to a receiver 17 of thecable tray 2.

FIG. 4d is a close-up side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cabletray 2 comprising a tab 25 removed from a receiver 17 of the cable tray2.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable tray 2comprising a lid 21 hingably attached to the cable tray 2 and an adaptorplate 11.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable tray 2wherein a lid 21 and an adaptor plate 11 are not attached.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable tray 2wherein a lid 21 and an adaptor plate 11 are not attached.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment of a cabletray 29 wherein a lid 60 comprises receiving sections 29 and the cabletray 29 comprises protruding sections 30.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment of a cabletray 2 and an adaptor tray 50 detached from the cable tray 29.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment of a cabletray 29 and a second exemplary embodiment of a splice holder 32 detachedfrom the cable tray 29.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment of a cabletray 29 wherein a plurality of splice holders 32 and a plurality ofcable clips 39 interact with the cable tray 29.

FIG. 12 is an isometric section view of a second exemplary embodiment ofa cable tray 29 with a lid 60 removably attached to the cable tray 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader ingaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses and/orsystems described herein. Various changes, modifications, andequivalents of the systems, apparatuses and/or methods described hereinwill suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the art.Descriptions of well-known functions are structures are omitted toenhance clarity and conciseness.

The terms used in the description are intended to describe embodimentsonly, and shall by no means be restrictive. Unless clearly usedotherwise, expressions in a singular from include a meaning of a pluralform. In the present description, an expression such as “comprising ” or“including ” is intended to designate a characteristic; a number, astep, an operation, an element, a part of combinations thereof, andshall not be construed to preclude any presence of possibility of one ofmore other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, elements, partsof combinations thereof.

The invention does not contain any moving parts (i.e.: hinges, etc). Anadvantage to this design is simplicity—minimal numbers of partsinvolved. More specifically, an exemplary embodiment of the inventionpossesses four fundamental components to ensure simplicity: an adapterplate to assist with fiber optic interconnectivity, a body/lid toprovide a protected environment for fiber optic components, a splicesleeve holder for the management and mounting of fiber optic splices,and a cable mounting clip for the time-efficient installation andmounting of fiber optic cable.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplaryembodiment of a cable adaptor case 1. The cable adaptor case 1 includesa cable tray 2 for holding a plurality of cables, an adapter tray 11,and a lid 21 which is removably attached and hingably attached to thecable tray. The cable tray 2 has a plurality of steps 3 for holding aplurality of cables. The adaptor tray 11 has a plurality of adaptors 12for connecting cables from inside the cable tray 2 to a set of cablesoutside of the cable tray 2. The adaptor tray 11 is removably attachedto the cable tray 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable tray may beattached by a screw 15. The adapter case 1 may be made of metal,plastic, or other similar materials.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a cableadaptor case 1 and an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a lid21. The cable adaptor tray 11 may have any variety of a plurality ofadaptors. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of adaptors 13 isembedded in the adaptor tray 11. The plurality of adaptors 13 shown inFIG. 2a are different from the plurality of adaptors 12 of FIG. 1. In anexemplary embodiment, the adaptor tray 11 may be an industry standardLGX 118 panel. The lid 21 comprises a plurality of snaps 25, which areremovably attached to the cable tray 2, and a plurality of hinges 23,which are removably attached and hingeably attached to the cable tray 2.In an exemplary embodiment, the tray 21 of FIG. 2 shows two hinges 23and two snaps 25.

FIG. 3 is an overhead view of an exemplary embodiment of cable tray 2.The cable tray 2 includes a plurality of bridges 5 for securing aplurality of cables, a splice holder 7 for holding spliced cables, aplurality of splice slots 8 for holding the splice holder 7, a pluralityof hooks 9 to secure a plurality of cables, a plurality of breakoutportions 10, and a plurality of towers 14 for sorting a plurality ofcables. In an exemplary embodiment the splice holder 7 is made ofplastic and has a plurality of rows which has a plurality of divots forreceiving the spliced cables. In an exemplary embodiment, once theplurality of divots have received the spliced cables, the plurality ofrows are stacked on top of one another and fit into the plurality ofsplice holders 8 for securing the spliced cables. The plurality ofbreakout portions 10 may be broken by an operator to allow for entry ofa plurality of cables into the cable tray 2. A plurality of cables mayenter from various positions into the cable tray 2 depending upon whichone of the plurality of breakout portions is broken by an operator.

FIG. 4a is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable tray 2comprising a lid 21. Both the plurality of snaps 25 and the plurality ofhinges 23 are removably attached to a plurality of receivers 17 in thecable tray 2. In art exemplary embodiment, the plurality of hinges areremovably attached to the cable tray 2.

FIG. 4b is a close-up side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cabletray 2 with a hinge 23 removably attached to a receiver 17 of the cabletray 2.

FIG. 4c is a close-up side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cabletray 2 with a snap 25 removably attached to a receiver 17 of the cabletray 2.

FIG. 4d is a close-up side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cabletray 2 with a snap 25 removed from a receiver 17 of the cable tray 2.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable tray 2with a lid 21 and an adaptor plate 11. The lid 21 is shown to behingeably attached by the plurality of hinges 23 to the plurality ofreceivers 17 of the cable tray 2. The snaps 25 are removed from theplurality of receivers 17.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable tray 2wherein a lid 21 and an adaptor plate 11 are not attached. In anexemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, one of the plurality ofbreakout portions 10 is removed. An adaptor plate 11 may be attached toa plurality of adaptor plate receivers 16 of the cable tray 2. Inaddition, the plurality of steps 3 of the cable tray 2 has a pluralityof holes 4. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of cables may beattached to the plurality of steps 3 by using a zip-tie, which is fedthrough the plurality of holes 4, to wrap around the plurality ofcables.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable tray 2wherein a lid 21 and an adaptor plate 11 are not attached. In anexemplary embodiment, additional hooks 9 is formed in a position awayfrom the plurality of steps 3.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment of a cabletray 29, wherein a lid 60 has receiving sections 62, and the cable tray29 including protruding sections 30. In an exemplary embodiment, theprotruding sections 30 interact with the receiving sections 62 so thatthe lid 60 is removably attached to the cable tray 29. In an exemplaryembodiment, the lid 60 may be removed by sliding the lid 60 away fromthe plurality of adaptors 52.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment of a cabletray 29 and an adaptor tray 50 detached from the cable tray 29. In anexemplary embodiment, a plurality of screws 54 removably attach to aplurality of screw adaptors 56 for removably attaching the adaptor plate50 to a plurality of screw receivers 44. A second exemplary embodimentof a plurality of splice slots 31 is provided in the cable tray 29. Thesplice slots 31 in FIG. 9 are configured for holding two splice holders32.

FIG. 10 is an isomeric view of a second exemplary embodiment of a cabletray 29 and a second exemplary embodiment of a splice holder 32 detachedfrom the cable tray 29. In an exemplary embodiment, the splice holder 32has a splice sorter 35 for holding and sorting cables which have beenspliced, a splice holder adaptor 37 for adapting the splice sorter 35 tobe removably attached to the splice slots 31, and a splice cap 33 forprotecting the wires in the splice sorter 35 and for covering the splicesorter 35. In an exemplary embodiment, the splice sorter 35 of FIG. 10is made of one piece of plastic, as opposed to a plurality of rows ofthe splice holder 7 of FIG. 3.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the splice sorter canhold up to 24 spliced wires. In an exemplary embodiment, the spliceholder 32 can hold both single fusion and ribbon splice sleeves. In anexemplary embodiment, the splice holder 32 provides a secure mountingarea for splices (i.e. splices will not pop out). In an exemplaryembodiment, the splice holder 32 is removable by a “snap-in/snap-out”feature. This feature makes installation easier since splice sleeves canbe loaded into the splice sleeve holder outside of the patch and splicemodule. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the cable tray29 has a cable clip 39 for holding cables.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a secondary exemplary embodiment of acable tray 29 wherein a plurality of splice holders 32 and a pluralityof cable clips 39 interact with the cable tray 29. In an exemplaryembodiment, two splice holders 32 are shown to be removably attached tothe splice shots 31. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable clips 39 areshown to be removably attached to the cable tray 29. In an exemplaryembodiment, the cable clips 39 secure a plurality of cables which exitthe cable tray 29. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable tray 29 allowsa plurality of cables to enter into the back of the module across a 180degree sweep. In a more specific exemplary embodiment, the back of thecable tray 29 consists a tiered semi-circular geometry that allows fiberoptic cable to enter into two, separate entry ports.

FIG. 12 is art isometric section view of a second exemplary embodimentof a cable tray 29 with a lid 60 removably attached to the cable tray29. In an exemplary embodiment, (the cable tray 29 has a plurality ofsteps 42 for securing a plurality of cables. In an exemplary embodiment,once the cable clips 39 have secured the plurality of cables, the cablesexit the cable tray 29 and are secured on the plurality of steps 42 in adirection, of the plurality of steps 42. An exemplary embodiment of thedesign of the cable clips 39 provides adequate pull tension whiteminimizing the time of installation. In an exemplary embodiment theclips 39 can be manufactured from semi-rigid plastic or rubber typematerials to provide adequate amount of grip to the various types oftubing materials used to house the plurality of cables. An exemplaryembodiment of the invention utilizes a lid 60 that slides and snaps intoplace maintaining the compression of the clips 39 and maintainingintegrity. In an exemplary embodiment, the lid 60 can optionally behinged to provide access without removal of the lid 60.

As mentioned above, the embodiments described above are merely exemplaryand the general inventive concept should not be limited thereto. Whilethis specification contains many features, the features should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or the appendedclaims. Certain features described in the context of separateembodiments can also be implemented in combination. Conversely, variousfeatures described in the context of a single embodiment can also beimplemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesub-combination.

1. A cable adaptor case comprising: a cable tray configured to hold aplurality of cables; and an adaptor tray removably attached to the cabletray, wherein the cable tray comprises a base wall and a sidewall, thebase wall spaced from a top of the cable tray along an axis, and whereinthe cable tray further comprises a plurality of steps configured to holdthe plurality of cables, the plurality of steps formed by an exteriorsurface of the sidewall such that the steps are on an exterior of thecable tray and spaced apart between the base wall and the top of thecable tray in a direction along the axis; a plurality of cable clipsconfigured to secure the plurality of cables to the cable tray; andwherein the adaptor tray comprises a plurality of adaptors configured toconnect the plurality of cables.
 2. The cable adaptor case of claim 1,wherein the cable tray further comprises a plurality of splice holdersconfigured to hold spliced cables.
 3. (canceled)
 4. A cable adaptor casecomprising: a cable tray configured to hold a plurality of cables; andan adaptor tray removably attached to the cable tray; wherein the cabletray comprises a plurality of splice slots extending from the base walltowards the top of the cable tray, and a plurality of splice holdersremovably attached to the plurality of splice slots; wherein the adaptortray comprises a plurality of adaptors configured to connect theplurality of cables; and wherein each splice holder of the plurality ofsplice holders comprises: a splice sorter comprising a plurality offingers and a plurality of receptacles defined between adjacent fingersof the plurality of fingers, each receptacle configured to hold aplurality of the spliced cables, whereby the spliced cables are sortedinto separate columns when the spliced cables are held within thereceptacles; a splice holder adaptor directly attached to the splicesorter and directly removably attached to the splice slots; and a splicecap covering the splice sorter and configured to retain the splicedcables in the splice sorter.
 5. The cable adaptor case of claim 1,wherein the plurality of steps comprises a plurality of removablebreakout portions through which the plurality of cables enter the cabletray.
 6. The cable adaptor case of claim 5, wherein the plurality ofsteps comprises a plurality of holes for attaching the plurality ofcables to the plurality of steps.
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled) 9.(canceled)
 10. The cable adaptor case of claim 1, wherein the cable trayfurther comprises a plurality of hooks configured to secure theplurality of cables to the cable tray.
 11. The cable adaptor case ofclaim 1, wherein the cable tray further comprises a plurality of towersconfigured to sort and organize the plurality of cables.
 12. The cableadaptor case of claim 1, wherein the cable tray further comprises aplurality of screw receivers opposite the plurality of steps configuredto receive the adaptor plate.
 13. The cable adaptor case of claim 12,wherein a plurality of screws are removably attached to a plurality ofscrew adaptors for removably attaching the adaptor plate to theplurality of screw receivers.
 14. The cable adaptor case of claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of cable clips is removably insertable inthe direction along the axis into one of a plurality of channels definedin the cable tray, the plurality of channels extending in the directionalong the axis.
 15. The cable adaptor case of claim 14, wherein an entryport into the cable tray is defined at each of the plurality ofchannels, each entry port transverse to the direction along the axis.16. The cable adaptor case of claim 4, wherein the cable tray comprisesa base wall and a sidewall, the base wall spaced from a top of the cabletray along an axis, and wherein the cable tray further comprises aplurality of steps spaced apart between the base wall and the top of thecable tray in a direction along the axis, the plurality of stepsconfigured to hold the plurality of cables, the plurality of stepsformed by an exterior surface of the sidewall such that the steps are onan exterior of the cable tray.
 17. The cable adaptor case of claim 4,wherein the cable tray comprises a base wall and a sidewall, the basewall spaced from a top of the cable tray along an axis, furthercomprising a plurality of cable clips configured to secure the pluralityof cables to the cable tray, each of the plurality of cable clipsremovably insertable in a direction along the axis into one of aplurality of channels defined in the cable tray, the plurality ofchannels extending in the direction along the axis, and wherein an entryport into the cable tray is defined at each of the plurality ofchannels, each entry port transverse to the direction along the axis.18. A cable adaptor case comprising: a cable tray configured to hold aplurality of cables; and an adaptor tray removably attached to the cabletray, wherein the cable tray comprises a base wall and a sidewall, thebase wall spaced from a top of the cable tray along an axis, and whereinthe cable tray further comprises a plurality of steps configured to holdthe plurality of cables; a plurality of cable clips configured to securethe plurality of cables to the cable tray, each of the plurality ofcable clips removably insertable in a direction along the axis into oneof a plurality of channels defined in the cable tray, the plurality ofchannels extending in the direction along the axis, and wherein an entryport into the cable tray is defined at each of the plurality ofchannels, each entry port transverse to the direction along the axis;and wherein the adaptor tray comprises a plurality of adaptorsconfigured to connect the plurality of cables.
 19. The cable adaptorcase of claim 18, further comprising a lid removably attached to andenclosing the top of the cable tray, the cable clips held within thechannels by the lid when the lid is removably attached to the top of thecable tray.
 20. The cable adaptor case of claim 19, wherein the cabletray further comprises a plurality of receivers, the lid removablyattached to the top of the cable tray by the plurality of receivers. 21.The cable adaptor case of claim 18, wherein the plurality of steps arespaced apart between the base wall and the top of the cable tray in thedirection along the axis.
 22. The cable adaptor case of claim 18,wherein the plurality of steps are formed by an exterior surface of thesidewall such that the steps are on an exterior of the cable tray. 23.The cable adaptor case of claim 18, wherein the sidewall issemi-circular.
 24. The cable adaptor case of claim 18, wherein the stepsare tiered.